Bus drivers coming from overseas

An influx of bus drivers from overseas is likely to help reduce future disruptions to bus services in the region.

“NZ Bus, one of our largest operators, has agreed employment offers with 100 overseas drivers,” Thomas Nash, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Transport Commit- tee, says.

Eight of these new drivers are already in the country with approved visas, undergoing training and the necessary licence requirements.

“Without delay from Waka Kotahi’s licence processing, they should be on the road in the next six to eight weeks,” Mr Nash says.

“A further 29 overseas drivers are awaiting visa approval and if successful will arrive in Wellington over the coming weeks to start their induction programme.”

NZ Bus hopes to have two cohorts of overseas drivers in training every month for the next three months. This is subject to satisfactory and timely visa application preparation, processing, and approvals.

Both NZ Bus and Tranzurban, the two largest operators in Wellington, are in the process of increasing international and domestic recruitment activities for the region.